Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 evaluation: This OLED stunner goes all day

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Version is a 14-inch 2-in-1 convertible laptop computer with an Intel Lunar Lake processor. It combines a touchscreen and 360-degree hinge together with 32GB of RAM, a ravishing OLED display screen, and the lengthy battery life Intel’s Lunar Lake {hardware} is thought for.

In contrast to another Yoga-branded laptops I’ve reviewed within the final yr, this mannequin is a 2-in-1 convertible PC with the 360-degree hinge the Yoga identify was as soon as identified for. This machine has the identical CPU because the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10, and I reviewed them each on the identical time.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is the buyer different to the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 with the identical CPU on the within however a distinct design and a extra entertainment-focused show selection. The battery life is lengthy, the display screen seems lovely, and the machine seems and feels modern.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: Specs

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Version is an improve to the previous-generation Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9). This time round, the machine has a Lunar Lake CPU — particularly, the Intel Core Extremely 7 258V. Meaning it will get for much longer battery life and may run Copilot+ PC AI options that Intel’s older NPU simply wasn’t highly effective sufficient to run. It additionally has a extra highly effective built-in GPU that’s surprisingly good for built-in graphics—plus a beneficiant allotment of 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD.

• Mannequin: Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Version
• CPU: Intel Core Extremely 7 258V
• Reminiscence: 32 GB LPDDR5x RAM
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc 140V
• NPU: Intel AI Enhance (as much as 47 TOPS)
• Show: 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED show with variable refresh fee as much as 120Hz and HDR
• Storage: 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
• Webcam: 5MP 1440p webcam
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Sort-C), 1x USB Sort-C (USB 20Gbps), 1x USB Sort-A (USB 10Gbps), 1x combo audio jack
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader, IR digital camera for facial recognition
• Battery capability: 75 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 12.44 x 8.66 x 0.63 inches
• Weight: 2.91 kilos
• MSRP: $1,749 as examined

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s design feels just like different Lenovo Yoga machines I’ve used previously yr or so. This Yoga laptop computer makes use of “Cosmic Blue,” in distinction to Lenovo’s ThinkPad line, which opts for a enterprise look with extra shades of grey. Mixed with the rounded edges and shiny high-resolution OLED display screen, it’s a modern expertise. The blue is quite darkish, although. In actual life, it seems so much nearer to black than you would possibly anticipate whereas catching gentle in an intriguing means.

The highest and backside are made from aluminum, and the construct high quality is strong — it is a confirmed Yoga design, and it’s not Lenovo’s first time placing out a machine in a chassis like this one. It seems similar to the Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9), for instance. The hinge works properly. The hinge additionally has what Lenovo calls a “rotating soundbar” constructed into it.

There’s no flex that shouldn’t be there, no undesired motion of the show as you sort, or the rest you wouldn’t wish to see on a machine like this. The design simply works prefer it ought to. At 2.91 kilos, it’s a normal weight for a laptop computer like this one — not too heavy and never unusually gentle.

The built-in software program is a bit more cluttered than I’d like: it’s bought McAfee antivirus popping up and asking you to subscribe out of the field, for instance. Shopper laptops are likely to have extra bundled gives than enterprise laptops, nevertheless it feels a bit of a lot for a $1,749 laptop computer. Nonetheless, that doesn’t matter in any respect when you may shortly uninstall it.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: Keyboard, trackpad, pen

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The keyboard feels advantageous to sort on. Lenovo says it has “soft-landing” switches, which the corporate describes as having a “snappy” really feel, together with 1.5mm of key journey. It’s not mushy, and the switches really feel good to sort on for a light-weight moveable laptop computer.

As soon as once more, I’ve a criticism to make a few Yoga keyboard’s format. Lenovo has put the fingerprint reader on the backside proper nook of the laptop computer. Personally, my fingers naturally gravitate in the direction of the bottom-right nook of the keyboard, anticipating the presence of the suitable arrow key there, which disrupts my muscle reminiscence! And, on the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1, Lenovo put the fingerprint reader to the left of the arrow keys. In order that seems to be a contact reserved for Yoga laptops alone.

Certain, you’ll get used to it — and if you happen to like this machine and plan on spending loads of time with it, maybe that gained’t be a difficulty for you.

The trackpad feels good and easy, and it’s a lot giant. Whenever you click on down, there’s a advantageous click on that isn’t mushy. I want to see laptops like this one embody haptic trackpads — that’s simply my choice — however it is a good mechanical trackpad.

Lenovo additionally features a Yoga Pen, which magnetically attaches to the highest of the laptop computer, on the lid proper beneath the digital camera bump. It’s an lively pen that fees by way of USB-C. You should utilize it to attract on the laptop computer’s show, and it really works properly if you happen to’re on the lookout for that form of pen expertise on a client laptop computer with a 360-degree hinge.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: Show and audio system

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 has a wonderful 14-inch OLED show with a touchscreen. It’s designed to wow — with a 2880×1800 decision, HDR help, and the vivid colours OLED shows are identified for. The display screen is shiny, in contrast to the matte one on the business-focused ThinkPad X1 2-in-1. This machine is extra serious about offering essentially the most lovely display screen doable for media consumption, whereas the ThinkPad’s anti-glare show is extra optimized for readability in numerous lighting situations. It’s at all times a trade-off when deciding on a laptop computer.

To be clear, the display screen glare shouldn’t be uncommon — that is simply what occurs in harsh lighting situations when a laptop computer has a shiny OLED show.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Yoga 2-in-1’s show tops out at a refresh fee of 120Hz, nevertheless it has a variable refresh fee, which most likely helps Lenovo squeeze extra battery life from this technique. In reality, essentially the most spectacular factor in regards to the show might be that Lenovo has managed to squeeze lengthy battery life out of this technique, regardless of a show that feels prefer it ought to be power-hungry. Intel Lunar Lake is critical, however the variable refresh fee on the show and the bigger battery constructed into the laptop computer are most likely the issues that full the puzzle.

Lenovo makes a giant deal of the rotating soundbar, saying it “permits the machine to mission audio unbiased of the machine’s orientation.” The soundbar has two tweeters that rotate with the display screen, and the laptop computer has two woofers on the underside. The speaker setup sounds fairly good. Listening to Steely Dan’s Aja on Spotify—a basic audiophile take a look at monitor for audio system—the sound was clear and detailed. Swapping over to Daft Punk’s Get Fortunate for a extra digital sound with extra bass, the audio sounded punchy and enjoyable — however clearly with out the form of bass you’d get from pair of headphones or exterior audio system.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 has a 5 MP webcam with a 1440p decision. That sounds nice on paper. It seems high-quality, too, with a transparent image. In reality, it’s one of many higher webcams I’ve seen on a laptop computer — even in comparison with the webcams on some enterprise laptops I’ve reviewed. The standard is greater than adequate for video conferences and calls.

Lenovo has additionally included a bodily privateness shutter, so you may block the laptop computer by sliding a change proper above the webcam. These are at all times good to see.

The microphone picks up clear, clear audio and has good noise cancellation in a room with desktop PC followers whirring. To my ears, it might be one of many higher microphone setups I’ve tried in a laptop computer just lately. On condition that the Yoga line primarily caters to customers, the webcam and microphone efficiency is spectacular.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 has a fingerprint reader on the bottom-right nook of the keyboard and an IR digital camera constructed into the digital camera bar above the show. You possibly can register with Home windows Whats up utilizing both your fingerprint or face. Each work properly.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: Connectivity

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 doesn’t have the biggest collection of ports, however I’ve seen worse. On the left aspect, you’ll discover a USB Sort-C port (USB 20Gbps) and a USB Sort-A port (USB 10Gbps.)

On the suitable aspect, you’ll discover two Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB 40Gbps) and a combo audio jack.

This laptop computer fees by way of USB-C, so that you’ll plug the charger into a kind of USB Sort-C ports.

Anybody on the lookout for an HDMI out port, a microSD card reader, or a second USB Sort-A port might want to look elsewhere. (For instance, the business-focused ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 has a built-in HDMI out port.) However this isn’t too dangerous for this kind of moveable laptop computer, particularly if you happen to’re ready to make use of a dongle if you happen to ever want extra ports.

I’m simply blissful to see Lenovo included a headphone jack on this machine! I’ve reviewed a equally named Lunar Lake-powered Yoga laptop computer with out a headphone jack, the Yoga Slim 9i.

Because of Intel’s Lunar Lake, this machine additionally comes with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 as customary. It’s crucial that these options turn into customary for brand spanking new laptops.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: Efficiency

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 delivers snappy desktop efficiency because of its Intel Core Extremely 7 258V CPU. Lunar Lake works properly for day-to-day productiveness functions and delivers extraordinarily lengthy battery life — plus surprisingly good graphics efficiency for built-in graphics {hardware}.

As at all times, although, we ran the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 by our customary benchmarks to see the way it performs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an concept of total system efficiency. With an total PCMark 10 rating of seven,719, the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 appears to squeeze each little bit of efficiency it may possibly out of Lunar Lake’s {hardware}. We like to check laptops of their default state with out tweaking them a lot — like a standard PC person would expertise them — and I think about current modifications to Home windows 11 that put laptops right into a higher-performance state robotically after they’re plugged in helped this machine within the benchmarks.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, we run Cinebench R20. This take a look at is a closely multithreaded benchmark that focuses on total CPU efficiency. It’s a fast benchmark, so cooling below prolonged workloads isn’t an element. However, because it’s closely multithreaded, CPUs with extra cores have an enormous benefit.

With a multithreaded Cinebench R20 rating of 4,306, Intel’s Lunar Lake {hardware} reveals its greatest weak spot right here. With fewer CPU cores, it’s not simply considerably slower at multithreaded CPU workloads than AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 collection {hardware}, which additionally has an NPU and may run Copilot+ PC AI options. It’s additionally considerably slower than Intel’s personal previous-generation Meteor Lake chips. Lunar Lake does present longer battery life than its rivals, nevertheless it comes at a price.

This isn’t consultant of real-world productiveness software utilization, which is nice — however will probably be a difficulty for multithreaded CPU-heavy workloads.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We additionally run an encode with Handbrake. This take a look at is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, nevertheless it runs over an prolonged interval. It calls for the laptop computer’s cooling kick in, and lots of laptops will throttle and decelerate below load.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i accomplished the encode course of in a median of 1,414 minutes, which is about 23 and a half minutes. Once more, multithreaded CPU efficiency is a weak spot right here.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, we run a graphical benchmark. This isn’t a gaming laptop computer, nevertheless it’s nonetheless good to test how the GPU performs. We run 3DMark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency.

With a 3DMark Time Spy rating of 4,716, Lunar Lake delivers nice graphics efficiency for built-in graphics — second solely to laptops with discrete Nvidia or AMD graphics {hardware}.

Total, this machine delivers strong efficiency. This laptop computer showcases Lunar Lake at its peak efficiency. It additionally struggles with Lunar Lake’s lower-than-ideal multithreaded efficiency, as Intel included fewer cores on Lunar Lake than on the last-generation Meteor Lake {hardware}. That’s solely a priority when you have workloads that want sustained multithreaded efficiency, nevertheless it’s an vital factor to contemplate on a $1,749 laptop computer.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: Battery life

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 mixed a considerable 75 watt-hour battery with long-lasting Lunar Lake {hardware}, so we’d hope it will have lengthy battery life. And it does — it’s very spectacular.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Metal on repeat on Home windows 11 with airplane mode enabled till the laptop computer suspends itself. We set the display screen to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmarks, and it’s value noting that the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s OLED show has a little bit of a bonus, as OLED screens use much less energy to show the black bars across the video. This can be a best-case situation for any laptop computer since native video playback is so environment friendly, and actual battery life in day-to-day use is at all times going to be lower than this.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i lasted for 1414 minutes earlier than suspending itself — that’s 23 and a half hours. The OLED show virtually definitely makes use of extra energy, however the selection of a variable refresh fee for the show and the bigger battery assist this machine obtain extraordinarily lengthy battery life.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1: Conclusion

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Version is a modern machine with a ravishing show and lengthy battery life. The two-in-1 expertise is nice. It’s as good because it seems within the pictures.

The downsides are evident: the shiny display screen will not be ultimate in sure conditions, the low multithreaded CPU efficiency could disrupt some folks’s workflows, and the fingerprint reader positioned to the suitable of the arrow keys will not be to everybody’s liking. However the principle concern is the worth — at $1,749, it is a little on the premium-priced aspect for a client laptop computer. Nonetheless, it’s a 2-in-1, and a high-quality one at that.

This can be a great laptop computer for folks on the lookout for a modern, moveable 2-in-1 with a vivid show and lengthy battery life. If these are your priorities — and the worth appears cheap to you — this machine is nice.